Detection system in relation to automatic transfer switch and method thereof

ABSTRACT

An automatic transfer switch (ATS) detection system is configured to detect an ATS. The ATS detection system includes an AC source configured to transfer a power signal to the ATS, a power switch, and an electronic load. The power switch includes a first input terminal coupled to a first signal lamp, a second input terminal coupled to a second signal lamp, and an output terminal. The AC source is coupled to the ATS and the second input terminal of the power switch, and the ATS is coupled to the first input terminal of the power switch. The electronic load is coupled to the output terminal of the power switch. The power signal is transferred through the ATS and the power switch, and is received by the electronic load.

FIELD

The subject matter herein generally relates to detection systems, and more particularly to an automatic transfer switch detection system and method.

BACKGROUND

The automatic transfer switch (ATS) is used widely. The ATS generally includes two loops, when one of the two loops is cut off, the other loop will be switched on automatically. It is necessary to confirm whether the ATS is in normal condition.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Many aspects of the embodiments can be better understood with reference to the following drawings. The components in the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale, the emphasis instead being placed upon clearly illustrating the principles of the embodiments. Moreover, in the drawings, like reference numerals designate corresponding parts throughout the several views.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of one embodiment of an automatic transfer switch detection system.

FIG. 2 is a circuit diagram of one embodiment of the automatic transfer switch detection system of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a circuit diagram of another embodiment of the automatic transfer switch detection system of FIG. 1

FIG. 4 is a flowchart of an automatic transfer switch detection method of FIG. 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

It will be appreciated that for simplicity and clarity of illustration, where appropriate, reference numerals have been repeated among the different figures to indicate corresponding or analogous elements. In addition, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the embodiments described herein. However, it will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that the embodiments described herein can be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, methods, procedures, and components have not been described in detail so as not to obscure the related relevant feature being described. Also, the description is not to be considered as limiting the scope of the embodiments described herein. The drawings are not necessarily to scale and the proportions of certain parts have been exaggerated to better illustrate details and features of the present disclosure.

The term “comprising” when utilized, means “including, but not necessarily limited to”; it specifically indicates open-ended inclusion or membership in the so-described combination, group, series and the like.

FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate one embodiment of an automatic transfer switch (ATS) detection system 100. The ATS detection system 100 is configured to detect a plurality of ATSs 50 to confirm whether the ATSs 50 are in a normal condition. In at least one embodiment, the ATSs 50 include a first ATS 51 and a second ATS 52.

The ATS detection system 100 includes a first alternating current (AC) source 10, a second AC source 20, a plurality of power switches 30, a first electronic load 41, and a second electronic load 42. The first AC source 10 and the second AC source 20 are configured to transmit a power signal. Each power switch 30 includes a first input terminal 31, a second input terminal 32, and an output terminal 35. The first input terminal 31 is equipped with a first signal lamp 311 and the second input terminal 32 is equipped with a second signal lamp 321. The first electronic load 41 and the second electronic load 42 will respectively receive the power signal of the first AC source 10 and the second AC source 20. In at least one embodiment, the number of the power switches 30 is four.

The ATS 50 includes a first conversion module 60 and a second conversion module 70. The first conversion module 60 includes two input terminals 61 and a first output terminal 65. The second conversion module 70 includes two input terminals 71 and a second output terminal 75.

In operation, the first AC source 10 is coupled to the two input terminals 61 of the first ATS 51 and a second input terminal 32 of a first one (power switch 301) of the power switches 30. The first output terminal 65 of the first ATS 51 is coupled to the first input terminal 31 of the power switch 301. The output terminal 35 of the power switch 301 is coupled to the two input terminals 61 of the second ATS 52 and a second input terminal 32 of a second one (power switch 302) of the power switches 30. The first output terminal 65 of the second ATS 52 is coupled to the first input terminal 31 of the power switch 302. The output terminal 35 of the power switch 302 is coupled to the first electronic load 41.

The second AC source 20 is coupled to the two input terminals 71 of the first ATS 51 and a second input terminal 32 of a third one (power switch 303) of the power switches 30. The second output terminal 75 of the first ATS 51 is coupled to the first input terminal 31 of the power switch 303. The output terminal 35 of the power switch 303 is coupled to the two input terminal 71 of the second ATS 52 and a second input terminal 32 of a fourth one (power switch 304) of the power switches 30. The second output terminal 75 of the second ATS 52 is coupled to the first input terminal 31 of the power switch 304. The output terminal 35 of the power switch 304 is coupled to the second electronic load 42.

FIG. 2 illustrates that when the ATS detection system 100 is operated, the first AC source 10 and the second AC source 20 send out a power signal, the power signal being received by the first electronic load 41 and the second electronic load 42.

If the first conversion module 60 of the ATS 50 is in normal condition, the power signal of the first AC source 10 is transferred through the first ATS 51, the first input terminal 31 of the power switch 301, the second ATS 52, and the first input terminal 31 of the power switch 302 and is received by the first electronic load 41. The first signal lamp 311 of the power switches 301 and 302 are illuminated and green. If the first conversion module 60 of the first ATS 51 is in abnormal condition, the power signal of the first AC source 10 is transferred through the second input terminal 32 of the power switch 301, the second ATS 52, and the first input terminal 31 of the power switch 302 and is received by the first electronic load 41. The second signal lamp 321 of power switch 301 is illuminated and red. The same situation applies to the ATS 51, if the first conversion module 60 of the ATS 52 is in abnormal condition, the second signal lamp 321 of the power switch 302 is on and red.

The same situation applies to the first conversion module 60; if the second conversion module 70 of the ATS 50 is in normal condition, the first signal lamps 311 of the power switches 303 and 304 are illuminated and green. If the second conversion module 70 of the first ATS 51 is in the abnormal condition, the second signal lamp 321 of the power switch 303 is on and red. Similarly with the ATS 51, if the second conversion module 70 of the ATS 52 is in abnormal condition, the second signal lamp 321 of the power switch 304 is on and red.

FIG. 3 illustrates another embodiment of an automatic transfer switch (ATS) detection system 100. The number of ATS 50 devices can be one, three, or more and the number of the power switches 30 can be two, six, or more.

Referring to FIG. 4, a flowchart is presented in accordance with an example embodiment. The example method is provided by way of example, as there are a variety of ways to carry out the method. The method described below can be carried out using the configurations illustrated in FIG. 4, for example, and various elements of these figures are referenced in explaining the example method. Each block shown in FIG. 4 represents one or more processes, methods, or subroutines carried out in the example method. Furthermore, the illustrated order of blocks is illustrative only and the order of the blocks can change. Additional blocks can be added or fewer blocks may be utilized without departing from this disclosure. The example method can begin at block 801.

At block 801, an AC source is sent out a power signal.

At block 802, the power signal is transferred through an ATS and a power switch, and is received by an electronic load.

At block 803, determining the color of a signal lamp of the power switch, as being red or green.

The embodiments shown and described above are only examples. Many details are often found in the art such as the other features of an automatic transfer switch detection system. Therefore, many such details are neither shown nor described. Even though numerous characteristics and advantages of the present technology have been set forth in the foregoing description, together with details of the structure and function of the present disclosure, the disclosure is illustrative only, and changes may be made in the detail, including in matters of shape, size, and arrangement of the parts within the principles of the present disclosure, up to and including the full extent established by the broad general meaning of the terms used in the claims. It will therefore be appreciated that the embodiments described above may be modified within the scope of the claims. 

What is claimed is:
 1. An automatic transfer switch (ATS) detection system for detecting an ATS, the ATS detection system comprising: an AC source is coupled to the ATS and configured to transfer a power signal to the ATS; a power switch comprising a first input terminal coupled to the ATS and a first signal lamp, a second input terminal coupled to the AC source and a second signal lamp, and an output terminal; and an electronic load coupled to the output terminal of the power switch; wherein the power signal is transferred through the ATS and the power switch and is received by the electronic load.
 2. The ATS detection system of claim 1, wherein the first signal lamp of the power switch is configured to turn to green when the power signal is transferred from the ATS to the power switch.
 3. The ATS detection system of claim 1, wherein the second signal lamp of the power switch is configured to turn to red when the power signal is transferred from the AC source to the power switch.
 4. The ATS detection system of claim 1, wherein the ATS comprises a conversion module, the conversion module is coupled to the AC source and the power switch.
 5. The ATS detection system of claim 4, wherein the conversion module comprises two input terminals, the AC source is coupled to the two input terminals.
 6. The ATS detection system of claim 5, wherein the conversion module further comprises an output terminal coupled to the first input terminal of the power switch.
 7. An automatic transfer switch (ATS) detection system for detecting a plurality of ATSs, the ATS detection system comprising: a first AC source configured to transfer a power signal to the ATS; a second AC source configure to transfer a power signal to the ATS; a plurality of power switches, each power switch comprising a first input terminal coupled to a first signal lamp, a second input terminal coupled to a second signal lamp, and an output terminal; a first electronic load coupled to the output terminal of one of the power switches; and a second electronic load coupled to the output terminal of another of the power switches; wherein the first AC source and the second AC source are respectively coupled to the first ATS and the second input terminal of one of the power switches, the ATSs are coupled to the first input terminal of the power switches, the power signals are transferred through the ATSs and the power switches, and are respectively received by the electronic load.
 8. The ATS detection system of claim 7, wherein the first signal lamp of the first input terminal of the power switch is configured to turn to green when the power signal is transferred from the ATS to the power switch.
 9. The ATS detection system of claim 7, wherein the second signal lamp of the second input terminal of the power switch is configured to turn to red when the power signal is transferred from the AC source to the power switch.
 10. The ATS detection system of claim 7, wherein the ATS comprises a first conversion module, the first conversion module is coupled to the first AC source and one of the power switch.
 11. The ATS detection system of claim 10, wherein the first conversion module comprises two input terminals, the first AC source is coupled to the two input terminals.
 12. The ATS detection system of claim 11, wherein the first conversion module further comprises a first output terminal, the first output terminal is coupled to the first input terminal of one of the power switch.
 13. The ATS detection system of claim 10, wherein the ATS comprises a second conversion module, the second conversion module is coupled to the second AC source and one of the power switch.
 14. The ATS detection system of claim 13, wherein the second conversion module comprises two input terminals, the second AC source is coupled to the two second input terminals.
 15. The ATS detection system of claim 14, wherein the second conversion module further comprises a second output terminal, the second output terminal is coupled to the first input terminal of one of the power switch.
 16. An automatic transfer switch (ATS) detection method for detecting a ATS, the detection method comprising: sending out a power signal; transferring the power signal through the ATS and a power switch; and determining the color of a signal lamp of the power switch; 